French authorities made the request in December last year and Ghanaian-born Desailly, one of France's most revered players of the last 20 years and who won the 1998 World Cup, has 30 days to oppose his home nation's request.

The 45-year-old is not the first FrenchÂ footballerÂ to be investigated under similar circumstances. Earlier this year Switzerland handed France bank details belonging to former French players Claude Makelele and current Manchester CityÂ youth teamÂ coach Patrick Vieira. UBS was also mentioned in both cases.

Authorities have not yet said ifÂ Makelele orÂ Vieira are accused of any wrongdoing.

Desailly enjoyed an illustrious playing career, including stints with Marseilles, AC Milan and Chelsea, twice winning the Champions League. As well as lifting the World Cup with France, Desailly also helped his team to Euro 2000 victory.

He became France captain afterÂ the 2000Â tournament and was named Chelsea captain on many occasions during his six years with the club between 1998 and 2004.

He ended his international career in 2004, notching up what was then a record 116 caps for his country and has since been aÂ punditÂ for BBC and ITV.

Comments

Maapa says:

August 19, 2014 10:17 pm

@Benny, always be patient to listen and hear both sides of a story. You must never draw conclusions from a headline especially when evidential facts are unknown. If you keep betting like that you'd probably end up not having any cloth on your back someday. Be very careful betting.

benny says:

August 19, 2014 12:50 pm

l bet he doesn't pay a penny in taxes in Ghana just like most famous and rich people.What a country.